NFL Suspends Bills’ Sam Franklin for Spitting as He Appeals

The NFL suspended Buffalo Bills defensive back and special-teams captain Sam Franklin Jr. for one game without pay after determining he spat at a Raiders player following an extra-point attempt in Buffalo’s 33–30 win over Las Vegas. Franklin denies the allegation and plans to appeal; one report says available replay showed no evidence of spitting, though it showed him pushing a Raiders lineman. Franklin is the second Bills player suspended for spitting during the game, following safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Both suspensions are expected to affect Buffalo’s Nov. 1 game against Baltimore, pending Franklin’s appeal.